Cygnus Applied Research

Donor-Centered Fundraising

Penelope Burk’s evidence-based solution for raising more money in a changing giving environment.

Donor & Member Research

Surveys and evidenced-backed research to guide operations and fundraising

Program Optimization

Update membership structures, benefits and strengthen mid-level major giving pipelines

Strategic Planning

Clear guidance for building supporter loyalty and growing revenue

donor-centred fundraising

Keep Donors Loyal and Giving More

burk’s blog

Fundraising Editorials from Penelope Burk

PUBLICATIONS

Books by Penelope Burk

What We Do

Research-Driven Fundraising Insight

Cygnus conducts national and international research to understand how donors are thinking, giving, and engaging in a rapidly changing philanthropic landscape. Our studies uncover emerging donor expectations, motivations, and behaviors that directly impact fundraising success.

Evidence-Based Strategy

Our findings translate into practical, measurable recommendations that help fundraisers and not-for-profits raise more money while working more efficiently. Every insight is grounded in real donor data, not opinion or trend-chasing.

Donor-Centered Fundraising®

Cygnus is the originator of the trademarked Donor-Centered Fundraising® philosophy. This approach defines, in clear and testable terms, what sustains donor loyalty and inspires greater generosity over time.

Publications & Thought Leadership

We publish books, research studies, and opinion pieces that help Development Directors, CEOs, and Boards prepare for an evolving giving environment shaped by informed, independent, and strategic donors.

A Framework for Forward Motion

We help organizations navigate uncertainty with a donor-centered strategies grounded in clear evidence.

01 Understand donor expectations
02 Prioritize what improves loyalty
03 Increase long-term fundraising value